A ratiometric substrate for rapid evaluation of transfer hydrogenation efficiency in solution

A cyclometalated iridium(III) complex bearing a self-immolative quinolinium moiety was developed as a ratiometric substrate for transfer hydrogenation studies. This photoluminescent probe allowed the rapid screening of a variety of Ir catalysts using a microplate reader, offering a convenient method to assess activity using a minimum amount of catalyst sample.

Lewis acid-driven self-assembly of diiridium macrocyclic catalysts imparts substrate selectivity and glutathione tolerance

Molecular inorganic catalysts (MICs) tend to have solvent-exposed metal centers that lack substrate specificity and are easily inhibited by biological nucleophiles. Unfortunately, these limitations exclude many MICs from being considered for in vivo applications. To overcome this challenge, a strategy to spatially confine MICs using Lewis acid-driven self-assembly is presented. It was shown that in the presence of external cations (e.g., Li+, Na+, K+, or Cs+) or phosphate buffered saline, diiridium macrocycles spontaneously formed supramolecular iridium-cation species, which were characterized by X-ray crystallography and dynamic light scattering. These nanoassemblies selectively reduced sterically unhindered C[double bond, length as m-dash]O groups via transfer hydrogenation and tolerated up to 1 mM of glutathione. In contrast, when non-coordinating tetraalkylammonium cations were used, the diiridium catalysts were unable to form higher-ordered structures and discriminate between different aldehyde substrates. This work suggests that in situ coordination self-assembly could be a versatile approach to enable or enhance the integration of MICs with biological hosts.

Variations in Intracellular Organometallic Reaction Frequency Captured by Single-Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy

Studies of organometallic reactions in living cells commonly rely on ensemble-averaged measurements, which can obscure the detection of reaction dynamics or location-specific behavior. This information is necessary to guide the design of bioorthogonal catalysts with improved biocompatibility, activity, and selectivity. By leveraging the high spatial and temporal resolution of single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, we have successfully captured single-molecule events promoted by Ru complexes inside live A549 human lung cells. By observing individual allylcarbamate cleavage reactions in real-time, our results revealed that they occur with greater frequency inside the mitochondria than in the non-mitochondria regions. The estimated turnover frequency of the Ru complexes was at least 3-fold higher in the former than the latter. These results suggest that organelle specificity is a critical factor to consider in intracellular catalyst design, such as in developing metallodrugs for therapeutic applications.

Taming glutathione potentiates metallodrug action

Metallodrugs that are redox sensitive or have labile coordination sites are particularly susceptible to inhibition by glutathione (GSH) and other endogenous thiols. Because GSH is an essential antioxidant, strategies to prevent thiol deactivation must consider their potential effects on normal cellular functions. In this short review, we describe general approaches for taming glutathione in metallodrug therapy and discuss their strengths and limitations. We also offer our perspectives on developing practical solutions that are effective and clinically relevant.

Customizing Polymers by Controlling Cation Switching Dynamics in Non-Living Polymerization

Controlling the chain growth process in non-living polymerization reactions is difficult because chain termination typically occurs faster than the time it takes to apply an external trigger. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a strategy to regulate non-living polymerizations by exploiting the chemical equilibria between a metal catalyst and secondary metal cations. We have prepared two nickel phenoxyphosphine-polyethylene glycol variants, one with 2-methoxyphenyl (Ni1) and another with 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl (Ni2) phosphine substituents. Ethylene polymerization studies using these complexes in the presence of alkali salts revealed that chain growth is strongly dependent on electronic effects, whereas chain termination is dependent on both steric and electronic effects. By adjusting the solvent polarity, we can favor polymerizations via non-switching or dynamic switching modes. For example, in a 100:0.2 mixture of toluene/diethyl ether, reactions of Ni1 and both Li⁺ and Na⁺ cations in the presence of ethylene yielded bimodal polymers with different relative fractions depending on the Li⁺/Na⁺ ratio used. In a 98:2 mixture of toluene/diethyl ether, reactions of Ni2 and Cs⁺ in the presence of ethylene generated monomodal polyethylene with dispersity <2.0 and increasing molecular weight as the amount of Cs⁺ added increased. Solution studies by NMR spectroscopy showed that cation exchange between the nickel complexes and alkali cations in 98:2 toluene/diethyl ether is fast on the NMR time scale, which supports our proposed dynamic switching mechanism.

Fluorescent half-sandwich iridium picolinamidate complexes for in-cell visualization

In this work, we report on the development of fluorescent half-sandwich iridium complexes using a fluorophore attachment strategy. These constructs consist of pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*) iridium units ligated by picolinamidate donors conjugated to green-emitting boron-dipyrromethene (bodipy) dyes. Reaction studies in H₂O/THF mixtures showed that the fluorescent Ir complexes were active as catalysts for transfer hydrogenation, with activities similar to that of their non-fluorescent counterparts. The iridium complexes were taken up by NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells, with 50% inhibition concentrations ranging from ~20-70 μM after exposure for 3 h. Visualization of the bodipy-functionalized Ir complexes in cells using fluorescence microscopy revealed that they were localized in the mitochondria and lysosome but not the nucleus. These results indicate that our fluorescent iridium complexes could be useful for future biological studies requiring intracellular catalyst tracking.

Rigidifying Cation-Tunable Nickel Catalysts Increases Activity and Polar Monomer Incorporation in Ethylene and Methyl Acrylate Copolymerization

In this study, we synthesized and characterized two nickel complexes featuring conformationally rigid bisphosphine mono-oxide ligands, where one has an o-methoxyphenyl (Ni2) and the other has an o-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenyl (Ni3) substituent on the P═O moiety. We performed metal binding studies using Ni3 and found that its reaction with Li⁺ and Na⁺ most likely produced 1:1 and 1:1/2:1 nickel:alkali species in solution, respectively. The nickel complexes were competent catalysts for ethylene homopolymerization and copolymerization, with activities up to 3.8 × 10³ and 8.1 × 10 kg mol^-1 h^-1, respectively. In reactions of ethylene with methyl acrylate (1.0 M), the addition of Li⁺ to Ni3 led to a 5.4-fold enhancement in catalyst activity and a 1.9-fold increase in polar monomer incorporation in comparison to those by Ni3 alone under optimized conditions. A comparison with other nickel catalysts reported for ethylene and methyl acrylate copolymerization revealed that our nickel-alkali catalysts are competitive with some of the most efficient Ni-based systems developed thus far.

Tools and Methods for Investigating Synthetic Metal-Catalyzed Reactions in Living Cells

Although abiotic catalysts are capable of promoting numerous new-to-nature reactions, only a small subset has so far been successfully integrated into living systems. Research in intracellular catalysis requires an interdisciplinary approach that takes advantage of both chemical and biological tools as well as state-of-the-art instrumentations. In this perspective, we will focus on the techniques that have made studying metal-catalyzed reactions in cells possible using representative examples from the literature. Although the lack of quantitative data in vitro and in vivo has somewhat limited progress in the catalyst development process, recent advances in characterization methods should help overcome some of these deficiencies. Given its tremendous potential, we believe that intracellular catalysis will play a more prominent role in the development of future biotechnologies and therapeutics.

Organoiridium-quinone conjugates for facile hydrogen peroxide generation

An organoiridium complex bearing a quinone moiety was shown to significantly accelerate the rate of H2O2 formation in the presence of air and sodium formate at low catalyst concentrations. This reaction is proposed to operate through a synergistic mechanism involving transfer hydrogenation catalysis and radical chemistry. Our bifunctional iridium complex could potentially be used in anti-cancer chemotherapy or other applications requiring rapid generation of reactive oxygen species.

Scope and Limitations of Reductive Amination Catalyzed by Half-Sandwich Iridium Complexes Under Mild Reaction Conditions

The conversion of aldehydes and ketones to 1° amines could be promoted by half-sandwich iridium complexes using ammonium formate as both the nitrogen and hydride source. To optimize this method for green chemical synthesis, we tested various carbonyl substrates in common polar solvents at physiological temperature (37 °C) and ambient pressure. We found that in methanol, excellent selectivity for the amine over alcohol/amide products could be achieved for a broad assortment of carbonyl-containing compounds. In aqueous media, selective reduction of carbonyls to 1° amines was achieved in the absence of acids. Unfortunately, at Ir catalyst concentrations of <1 mM in water, reductive amination efficiency dropped significantly, which suggest that this catalytic methodology might be not suitable for aqueous applications where very low catalyst concentration is required (e.g., inside living cells).

Structure–activity relationship study of half-sandwich metal complexes in aqueous transfer hydrogenation catalysis

A systematic structure–activity relationship study was performed to identify the factors that are important to enhancing the transfer hydrogenation efficiency of half-sandwich metal complexes.

Development of highly productive nickel–sodium phenoxyphosphine ethylene polymerization catalysts and their reaction temperature profiles

Heterobimetallic nickel–sodium phenoxyphosphine complexes were found to be among one of the most efficient late metal catalysts for ethylene polymerization.

Accelerating ethylene polymerization using secondary metal ions in tetrahydrofuran

A variety of metal cations are capable of enhancing the ethylene polymerization rates of nickel phosphine phosphonate-polyethylene glycol catalysts.

Evaluation of dicopper azacryptand complexes in aqueous CuAAC reactions and their tolerance toward biological thiols

The catalytic activity of dicopper azacryptands was evaluated in water and in the presence of biological thiols.

Intracellular Transfer Hydrogenation Mediated by Unprotected Organoiridium Catalysts

In the present work, we show for the first time that the conversion of aldehydes to alcohols can be achieved using "unprotected" iridium transfer hydrogenation catalysts inside living cells. The reactions were observed in real time by confocal fluorescence microscopy using a Bodipy fluorogenic substrate. We propose that the reduced cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is a possible hydride source inside the cell based on studies using pyruvate as a cellular redox modulator. We expect that this biocompatible reductive chemistry will be broadly useful to practitioners working at the interface of chemistry and the life sciences.

Innocent But Deadly: Nontoxic Organoiridium Catalysts Promote Selective Cancer Cell Death

We demonstrate that nontoxic organoiridum complexes can selectively chemosensitize cancer cells toward platinum antiproliferative agents. Treatment of human cancer cells (breast, colon, eye/retina, head/neck, lung, ovary, and blood) with the iridium chemosensitizers led to lowering of the 50 % growth inhibition concentration (IC₅₀ ) of the Pt drug carboplatin by up to ∼30-50 %. Interestingly, non-cancer cells were mostly resistant to the chemosensitizing effects of the iridium complexes. Cell culture studies indicate that cancer cells that were administered with Ir show significantly higher reactive oxygen species concentrations as well as NAD⁺ /NADH ratios (oxidized vs. reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) than Ir-treated non-cancer cells. These biochemical changes are consistent with a catalytic transfer hydrogenation cycle involving the formation of iridium-hydride species from the reaction of the iridium catalysts with NADH and subsequent oxidation in air to generate hydrogen peroxide.

Insights into the anti-angiogenic properties of phosphaplatins

Phosphaplatins are platinum-based antitumor compounds that, unlike other clinically utilized platinum drugs (i.e. cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin), appear to target proteins rather than DNA. Because of their unique mode of action, phosphaplatins are promising drug candidates for cisplatin-resistant cancers. In this study, we discovered that Pt(II) and Pt(IV) phosphaplatins possess diverse antitumor properties. In addition to targeting apoptosis antigen (FAS) and proapoptotic gene products as described previously, phosphaplatins also target angiogenesis. We demonstrate that phosphaplatins inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and tube formation in vitro and suppress tumor angiogenesis and growth in immunodeficient mice that were inoculated with A2780 ovarian cancer cells in vivo. To provide insight into this novel antitumor mechanism, phosphaplatin-treated HUVECs were found to exhibit lower gene expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and the VEGFR-2 receptor compared to untreated cells. Kinase inhibition studies suggest that phosphaplatins are inhibitors of VEGFR-2. In ligand exchange experiments using both Pt atomic absorption and ³¹P NMR spectroscopies, we show that phosphaplatins most likely bind to VEGFR-2 through metal-ligand coordination rather than electrostatic interactions. These studies enhance our understanding of the diverse and novel mechanisms of action of the phosphaplatin antitumor agents, which could potentially be used as chemotherapeutic agents against cisplatin-resistant cancers.

Light-induced N₂O production from a non-heme iron-nitrosyl dimer

Two non-heme iron–nitrosyl species, [Fe₂(N-Et-HPTB)(O₂CPh)(NO)₂](BF₄)₂ (1a) and [Fe₂(N-Et-HPTB)(DMF)₂(NO)(OH)](BF₄)₃ (2a), are characterized by FTIR and resonance Raman spectroscopy. Binding of NO is reversible in both complexes, which are prone to NO photolysis under visible light illumination. Photoproduction of N₂O occurs in high yield for 1a but not 2a. Low-temperature FTIR photolysis experiments with 1a in acetonitrile do not reveal any intermediate species, but in THF at room temperature, a new {FeNO}⁷ species quickly forms under illumination and exhibits a ν(NO) vibration indicative of nitroxyl-like character. This metastable species reacts further under illumination to produce N₂O. A reaction mechanism is proposed, and implications for NO reduction in flavodiiron proteins are discussed.

Spectral studies of a Cr(PNP)-MAO system for selective ethylene trimerization catalysis: searching for the active species

Variable temperature spectroscopic, kinetic, and chemical studies were performed on a soluble Cr^IIICl₃(PNP) (PNP = bis(diarylphosphino)alkylamine) ethylene trimerization precatalyst to map out its methylaluminoxane (MAO) activation sequence. These studies indicate that treatment of Cr^IIICl₃(PNP) with MAO leads to first replacement of chlorides with alkyl groups, followed by alkyl abstraction, and then reduction to lower-valent species. Reactivity studies demonstrate that the majority of the chromium species detected is not catalytically active.

Mechanistic Studies of Ethylene and α-Olefin Co-oligomerization Catalyzed by Chromium-PNP Complexes

To explore the possibility of producing a narrow distribution of mid- to long-chain hydrocarbons from ethylene as a chemical feedstock, co-oligomerization of ethylene and linear α-olefins (LAOs) was investigated, using a previously reported chromium complex, [CrCl(3)(PNP(OMe))] (1, where PNP(OMe) = N,N-bis(bis(o-methoxyphenyl)phosphino)methylamine). Activation of 1 by treatment with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) in the presence of ethylene and 1-hexene afforded mostly C(6) and C(10) alkene products. The identities of the C(10) isomers, assigned by detailed gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses, strongly support a mechanism that involves five- and seven-membered metallacyclic intermediates comprising of ethylene and LAO units. Using 1-heptene as a mechanistic probe, it was established that 1-hexene formation from ethylene is competitive with formation of ethylene/LAO co-trimers, and that co-trimers derived from one ethylene and two LAO molecules are also generated. Complex 1/MMAO is also capable of converting 1-hexene to C(12) dimers and C(18) trimers, albeit with poor efficiency. The mechanistic implications of these studies are discussed and compared to previous reports of olefin co-trimerization.

A C2-symmetric, basic Fe(III) carboxylate complex derived from a novel triptycene-based chelating carboxylate ligand

A triptycene-based bis(benzoxazole) diacid ligand H(2)L2(Ph4) bearing sterically encumbering groups was synthesized. Treatment of H(2)L2(Ph4) with Fe(OTf)(3) afforded a C(2)-symmetric trinuclear iron(III) complex, [NaFe(3)(L2(Ph4))(2)(μ(3)-O)(μ-O(2)CCPh(3))(2)(H(2)O)(3)](OTf)(2) (8). The triiron core of this complex adopts the well known "basic iron acetate" structure where the heteroleptic carboxylates, comprising two Ph(3)CCO(2)(-) and two (L2(Ph4))(2-) ligands, donate the six carboxylate bridges. The (L2(Ph4))(2-) ligand undergoes only minor conformational changes upon formation of the complex.

Evaluating the identity and diiron core transformations of a (μ-oxo)diiron(III) complex supported by electron-rich tris(pyridyl-2-methyl)amine ligands

The composition of a (μ-oxo)diiron(III) complex coordinated by tris[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy)pyridyl-2-methyl]amine (R(3)TPA) ligands was investigated. Characterization using a variety of spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallography indicated that the reaction of iron(III) perchlorate, sodium hydroxide, and R(3)TPA affords [Fe(2)(μ-O)(μ-OH)(R(3)TPA)(2)](ClO(4))(3) (2) rather than the previously reported species [Fe(2)(μ-O)(OH)(H(2)O)(R(3)TPA)(2)](ClO(4))(3) (1). Facile conversion of the (μ-oxo)(μ-hydroxo)diiron(III) core of 2 to the (μ-oxo)(hydroxo)(aqua)diiron(III) core of 1 occurs in the presence of water and at low temperature. When 2 is exposed to wet acetonitrile at room temperature, the CH(3)CN adduct is hydrolyzed to CH(3)COO(-), which forms the compound [Fe(2)(μ-O)(μ-CH(3)COO)(R(3)TPA)(2)](ClO(4))(3) (10). The identity of 10 was confirmed by comparison of its spectroscopic properties with those of an independently prepared sample. To evaluate whether or not 1 and 2 are capable of generating the diiron(IV) species [Fe(2)(μ-O)(OH)(O)(R(3)TPA)(2)](3+) (4), which has previously been generated as a synthetic model for high-valent diiron protein oxygenated intermediates, studies were performed to investigate their reactivity with hydrogen peroxide. Because 2 reacts rapidly with hydrogen peroxide in CH(3)CN but not in CH(3)CN/H(2)O, conditions that favor conversion to 1, complex 1 is not a likely precursor to 4. Compound 4 also forms in the reaction of 2 with H(2)O(2) in solvents lacking a nitrile, suggesting that hydrolysis of CH(3)CN is not involved in the H(2)O(2) activation reaction. These findings shed light on the formation of several diiron complexes of electron-rich R(3)TPA ligands and elaborate on conditions required to generate synthetic models of diiron(IV) protein intermediates with this ligand framework.

Evolution of strategies to prepare synthetic mimics of carboxylate-bridged diiron protein active sites

We present a comprehensive review of research conducted in our laboratory in pursuit of the long-term goal of reproducing the structures and reactivity of carboxylate-bridged diiron centers used in biology to activate dioxygen for the conversion of hydrocarbons to alcohols and related products. This article describes the evolution of strategies devised to achieve these goals and illustrates the challenges in getting there. Particular emphasis is placed on controlling the geometry and coordination environment of the diiron core, preventing formation of polynuclear iron clusters, maintaining the structural integrity of model complexes during reactions with dioxygen, and tuning the ligand framework to stabilize desired oxygenated diiron species. Studies of the various model systems have improved our understanding of the electronic and physical characteristics of carboxylate-bridged diiron units and their reactivity toward molecular oxygen and organic moieties. The principles and lessons that have emerged from these investigations will guide future efforts to develop more sophisticated diiron protein model complexes.

Characterization of a synthetic peroxodiiron(III) protein model complex by nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy

The vibrational spectrum of an η(1),η(1)-1,2-peroxodiiron(III) complex was measured by nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy and fit using an empirical force field analysis. Isotopic (18)O(2) labelling studies revealed a feature involving motion of the {Fe(2)(O(2))}(4+) core that was not previously observed by resonance Raman spectroscopy.

Toward functional carboxylate-bridged diiron protein mimics: achieving structural stability and conformational flexibility using a macrocylic ligand framework

A dinucleating macrocycle, H(2)PIM, containing phenoxylimine metal-binding units has been prepared. Reaction of H(2)PIM with [Fe(2)(Mes)(4)] (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) and sterically hindered carboxylic acids, Ph(3)CCO(2)H or Ar(Tol)CO(2)H (2,6-bis(p-tolyl)benzoic acid), afforded complexes [Fe(2)(PIM)(Ph(3)CCO(2))(2)] (1) and [Fe(2)(PIM)(Ar(Tol)CO(2))(2)] (2), respectively. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that these diiron(II) complexes closely mimic the active site structures of the hydroxylase components of bacterial multicomponent monooxygenases (BMMs), particularly the syn disposition of the nitrogen donor atoms and the bridging μ-η(1)η(2) and μ-η(1)η(1) modes of the carboxylate ligands at the diiron(II) centers. Cyclic voltammograms of 1 and 2 displayed quasi-reversible redox couples at +16 and +108 mV vs ferrocene/ferrocenium, respectively. Treatment of 2 with silver perchlorate afforded a silver(I)/iron(III) heterodimetallic complex, [Fe(2)(μ-OH)(2)(ClO(4))(2)(PIM)(Ar(Tol)CO(2))Ag] (3), which was structurally and spectroscopically characterized. Complexes 1 and 2 both react rapidly with dioxygen. Oxygenation of 1 afforded a (μ-hydroxo)diiron(III) complex [Fe(2)(μ-OH)(PIM)(Ph(3)CCO(2))(3)] (4), a hexa(μ-hydroxo)tetrairon(III) complex [Fe(4)(μ-OH)(6)(PIM)(2)(Ph(3)CCO(2))(2)] (5), and an unidentified iron(III) species. Oxygenation of 2 exclusively formed di(carboxylato)diiron(III) compounds, a testimony to the role of the macrocylic ligand in preserving the dinuclear iron center under oxidizing conditions. X-ray crystallographic and (57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopic investigations indicated that 2 reacts with dioxygen to give a mixture of (μ-oxo)diiron(III) [Fe(2)(μ-O)(PIM)(Ar(Tol)CO(2))(2)] (6) and di(μ-hydroxo)diiron(III) [Fe(2)(μ-OH)(2)(PIM)(Ar(Tol)CO(2))(2)] (7) units in the same crystal lattice. Compounds 6 and 7 spontaneously convert to a tetrairon(III) complex, [Fe(4)(μ-OH)(6)(PIM)(2)(Ar(Tol)CO(2))(2)] (8), when treated with excess H(2)O.

Chemistry of nitrosyliron complexes supported by a β-diketiminate ligand

Several nitrosyl complexes of Fe and Co have been prepared using the sterically hindered Ar-nacnac ligand (Ar-nacnac = anion of [(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)NC(Me)](2)CH). The dinitrosyliron complexes [Fe(NO)(2)(Ar-nacnac)] (1) and (Bu(4)N)[Fe(NO)(2)(Ar-nacnac)] (2) react with [Fe(III)(TPP)Cl] (TPP = tetraphenylporphine dianion) to generate [Fe(II)(NO)(TPP)] and the corresponding mononitrosyliron complexes. The factors governing NO transfer with dinitrosyliron complexes (DNICs) 1 and 2 are evaluated, together with the chemistry of the related mononitrosyliron complex, [Fe(NO)Br(Ar-nacnac)] (4). The synthesis and properties of the related cobalt dinitrosyl [Co(NO)(2)(Ar-nacnac)] (3) is also discussed for comparison to DNICs 1 and 2. The solid-state structures of several of these compounds as determined by X-ray crystallography are reported.

Characterization of iron dinitrosyl species formed in the reaction of nitric oxide with a biological Rieske center

Reactions of nitric oxide with cysteine-ligated iron-sulfur cluster proteins typically result in disassembly of the iron-sulfur core and formation of dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs). Here we report the first evidence that DNICs also form in the reaction of NO with Rieske-type [2Fe-2S] clusters. Upon treatment of a Rieske protein, component C of toluene/o-xylene monooxygenase from Pseudomonas sp. OX1, with an excess of NO(g) or NO-generators S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-pencillamine and diethylamine NONOate, the absorbance bands of the [2Fe-2S] cluster are extinguished and replaced by a new feature that slowly grows in at 367 nm. Analysis of the reaction products by electron paramagnetic resonance, Mössbauer, and nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy reveals that the primary product of the reaction is a thiolate-bridged diiron tetranitrosyl species, [Fe(2)(μ-SCys)(2)(NO)(4)], having a Roussin's red ester (RRE) formula, and that mononuclear DNICs account for only a minor fraction of nitrosylated iron. Reduction of this RRE reaction product with sodium dithionite produces the one-electron-reduced RRE, having absorptions at 640 and 960 nm. These results demonstrate that NO reacts readily with a Rieske center in a protein and suggest that dinuclear RRE species, not mononuclear DNICs, may be the primary iron dinitrosyl species responsible for the pathological and physiological effects of nitric oxide in such systems in biology.

Identification of protein-bound dinitrosyl iron complexes by nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy

We have applied (57)Fe nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) to identify protein-bound dinitrosyl iron complexes. Intense NRVS peaks due to vibrations of the N-Fe-N unit can be observed between 500 and 700 cm(-1) and are diagnostic indicators of the type of iron dinitrosyl species present. NRVS spectra for four iron dinitrosyl model compounds are presented and used as benchmarks for the identification of species formed in the reaction of Pyrococcus furiosus ferredoxin D14C with nitric oxide.

Carboxylate as the protonation site in (Peroxo)diiron(III) model complexes of soluble methane monooxygenase and related diiron proteins

Addition of H(+) to a synthetic (mu-1,2-peroxo)diiron(III) model complex results in protonation of a carboxylate rather than the peroxo ligand. This conclusion is based on spectroscopic evidence from UV-vis, (57)Fe Mossbauer, resonance Raman, infrared, and (1)H/(19)F NMR studies. These results suggest a similar role for protons in the dioxygen activation reactions in soluble methane monooxygenase and related carboxylate-bridged diiron enzymes.

2-Phenoxypyridyl dinucleating ligands for assembly of diiron(II) complexes: efficient reactivity with O(2) to form (mu-Oxo)diiron(III) units

A series of 2-phenoxypyridyl and 2-phenoxyimino ligands, H(2)L(R,R') [2,2'-(5,5'-(1,2-phenylenebis(ethyne-2,1-diyl))bis(pyridine-5,2-diyl))diphenol, where R = H, Me, or t-Bu, and R' = H or Ph] and H(2)BIPS(Me,Ph) [(3,3'-(1E,1'E)-(3,3'-sulfonylbis(3,1-phenylene)bis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(5-methylbiphenyl-2-ol)], were synthesized as platforms for nonheme diiron(II) protein model complexes. UV-vis spectrophotometric studies and preparative-scale reactions of L(R,R') or BIPS(Me,Ph), where L(R,R') and BIPS(Me,Ph) are the deprotonated forms of H(2)L(R,R') and H(2)BIPS(Me,Ph), respectively, with iron(II) revealed that the presence of sterically protective o-phenol substituents is necessary to obtain discrete dinuclear species. The reaction of L(Me,Ph) with iron(II) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) afforded the doubly bridged compound [Fe(2)(L(Me,Ph))(2)(THF)(3)] (1), which was characterized in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. A large internal cavity in this complex facilitates its rapid reaction with dioxygen, even at -50 degrees C, to produce the thermodynamically stable [Fe(2)(mu-O)(L(Me,Ph))(2)] (2) species. Reaction of (18)O(2) instead of (16)O(2) with 1 led to a shift in the Fe-O-Fe vibrational frequency from 833 to 798 cm(-1), confirming the presence of the (mu-oxo)diiron(III) core and molecular oxygen as the source of the bridging oxo group. The L(Me,Ph) ligand is robust toward oxidative decomposition and does not display any reversible redox activity.

Dinitrosyl iron complexes relevant to Rieske cluster nitrosylation

Reaction of the Rieske cluster model complex (Et(4)N)(2)[(N(2)CHPh)Fe(2)S(2)(S(2)-o-xyl)] (N(2)CHPh = dianion of 2,2'-(phenylmethylene)bis(3-methylindole); S(2)-o-xyl = dianion of 1,2-phenylenedimethanethiol) with nitric oxide results in disassembly of the iron-sulfur core and formation of {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) dinitrosyliron complexes (DNICs). Isolation and characterization of these DNICs, including the new compound, (Et(4)N)[(N(2)CHPh)Fe(NO)(2)], demonstrates a homology between the synthetic Riekse cluster and purely thiolate-bound Fe(2)S(2) clusters in reactions involving NO. To model the nitrogen-rich environment of Rieske cluster-derived dinitroysliron species, a new type of neutral {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) DNIC was prepared containing a beta-diketiminate ligand. One-electron reduction of this compound affords the isolable {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) DNIC. These compounds represent a rare example of structurally analogous DNIC redox partners.